Jennifer Keim

2011-08-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of silence on here since the Right or Left? message was posted below. Silence for one reason and one reason only. A Choice. I have been trying to make a choice. trying to choose, try, try and then try again. Decisions. Then once the choice was made. And work had to be done. So, thats where we've been; moving to updating a new platform!

You can now follow us over at JenniferKeim.com I'll be posting my work over there from now on.

Right or Left?

2011-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

I posed this question to a couple of very dear friends of mine:

           "Do you ever feel like taking a Right instead of a Left? Day to day you go Right but what happens if one day you choose Left?"

I was actually surprised as to my responses. All very different perspectives. All very different answers but a very similar response- Change. Taking the leap. Finding out what is to the left. There is a saying that goes    ' If you always do what you've always done then your always going to have what you've always had. '

Change- That's what this is about.

In photography business its easy to get caught up in the day to day rut. Emails, websites, branding, shooting, design, logos, networking, blogs, marketing. I could go on and on. It's so easy to get overwhelmed. It's easy to dive into the pressure of the "business" of things, compare yourself to others and then loose yourself and your passion for what started it all.

This year when I was writing out my 2011 goals for myself personally and professionally there was one thing that was very apparent throughout the list so nicely numerically organized.      Fear.   Fear can drive you. Fear can impede you. It can make or break you. You can challenge it or you can hide from it. It doesn't change that it is there until one day you choose to face it.   So for this year one of the things that was added to my list was to actually embrace fear. And from what I have learned thus far in 2011 is that failure is not about failing but about learning from your mistakes. It's about looking ahead and not looking back.

Do you choose Right or do you choose Left?

If what your currently doing doesn't work for you change it. Try something new. Whether it's weight loss, a relationship, photography or another kind of business. Write that blog post, submit those images, write that process manual ( which I am a big proponent of ), sit down and write goals for yourself personally and professionally.    Turn left instead of turning Right. And don't look back.

2010 Review

2010-12-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

It's New Years Eve and as I look back over the past year I am reminded of how years go by at the blink of an eye. Seriously- Where did this year go? It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2010. I am both incredibly thankful for what 2010 has given me and also excited for what 2011 has in store.

Due to an ankle injury I took most of the spring off but when I was finally well, I was able to start refocusing myself back on my business. Over the summer I was asked to second shoot for one of my dear friends Molly Vaden! So, in May we shot Michelle and Matt's Larimount Manor wedding.

During July Molly and I teamed up yet again to shoot Melissa & Justin's Scimitar Ranch Wedding.

Then in September I shot Jennifer and Rick's backyard wedding. These two were such an amazing couple.

Then in November I attended PartnerCon for the second year in a row. This year I opted to put my camera down and just listen, to absorb all of the information coming at me. So I can home with a lot of notes, met a lot of new friends and laughed; A LOT! One of my favorite memories from PartnerCon this year was sitting in a coffee old mom-n-pop restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans with my dear friends Melissa Jill and Ben Finch - chatting, praying and fellowshiping about God's Love. I learned tons while I was there and am still relishing in the inspiration I came home with!

And most recently I did a fun maternity session with my best friend, My Sister; Amie!

This past year brought so many opportunities for me to learn and grow as not only a photographer but personally. I am so excited for what 2011 has in store! Happy New Years Everyone!

Christmas Fav

2010-12-23T23:03:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas is the cards that come in. It makes going out to get the mail something that I really look forward to. I love hearing from friends, family and clients, seeing the the photos of the families and how they have changed and grow over the years! This year I have received a number of cards and it has been so nice to hear from all of you!! Thank you for thinking of us during this holiday Season.

I still have not found a good way to display all my cards so I have them all lined up near my tree to enjoy. Any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

It's Christmas Time!

2010-12-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

It's the month of December and I couldn't be more excited. I am one of those people that loves Christmas so much so that I start playing Christmas music early. Really Early! This year has been no different. In fact, we put up our tree on Thanksgiving Day because we were all so excited to get the festivities started. Since then I have been gradually decorating the house, getting out the festive candles, the lights, and playing more and more music. Like Josh Groban's album Noel on repeat. It's a must this time of year! I'm not quite finished but here are just a few of the decorations that are around in my home.

I love how my tree turned out this year. I went with a Red and Gold theme.

I think that December may just be my favorite month. Not only do I get to spend very cherished time with my family but it is also the time of year we proudly celebrate our Savior's Birth. I Love, Love LOVE this time of year!

PartnerCon 2010

2010-11-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

This year I was able again travel to New Orleans to attend PartnerCon. I've wrote about it in the past and I cannot stress this enough: If you are a photographer looking for a conference this conference is the way to go!

Once I arrived in NOLA I was so excited to discover that Pictage had chosen to display one of my photos at PartnerCon this year! Here is the the photo they chose from Melissa and Justin's wedding this past summer.

My week was jam packed with tons of great opportunities learning and shooting with other Photographers. What I love the most about PartnerCon though is the relationships that are built year after year. I always am so inspired by the people I meet and I walk away with new ideas, new friendships and a new outlook on my business. This year when we all came back together it was like we had just seen each other yesterday. I Can't wait to see you all next year!

My Sister: Amie!

2010-10-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

My sister is my best friend! She completes me. We often joke that she and I are our other halfs. She's left handed I am right. She has a natural part on her left- I have one on my right. She's fashionable and knows design. I am well -the creative one. She's Monica and I am Rachel. If there wasn't 3 years between the two of us you'd think we were twins. My sister knows that at the drop of a dime if she needs me I am there and I know the same about her. The calls at all hours of the night, the emails and texting all day, we don't go very far without each other. So when she called me in May to tell me that she was going to have another baby I was beyond thrilled! And of course I couldn't wait to shoot these this Fall!

My Niece and Nephew jumped in for a shot of all their hands on the beautiful belly.

I love that my sister can still see her feet. She's so tiny!

Family- That's what its all about!

Love You Sis!!!! And I can't wait to meet her!

Jennifer & Rick

2010-10-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and Rick began dating ten years ago and after loosing a family member to a terminal illness recently, decided to finally tie the knot. In Jennifer's words "its finally time!" It was to be a small wedding of immediate family and friends but a celebration more than anything. A celebration of life, love and happiness! These two both have a great sense of humor and love the out doors and were able to incorporate that into every aspect of their day.

Jennifer and Rick decided not to do a first look. I love this picture of Jennifer peaking around the corner.

The officiant started the wedding out by quoting the Princess Bride's "Mawage". We all could not stop laughing.

Jennifer and I snuck outside for a couple quick shots while everyone was inside. Jen you Rocked these!

Jennifer and Rick- You are guys are such a fun couple! Thanks for letting me spend your day with you!

PartnerCon

2010-10-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

You may remember last November I attended Pictage's PartnerCon. Pictage is the gallery company that I use for printing my images and I must say they do a spectacular job for both Photographers and their clients. I am oh so excited to be able to attend again this year.

I was a little nervous when I first signed up for PartnerCon because I really didn't know anyone but seriously- everyone at PartnerCon is so friendly. There is no pressure to be someone you are not only to create who you are and enhance the talents that you have. My awesome roommate and friend Melissa Jill introduced me to some really cool people who I now call friends. I left PartnerCon so inspired by the people I met and the opportunities I had. If you are a photographer looking for a conference PartnerCon is the place to learn and grow!

Melissa & Justin

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

When Molly asked me to second shoot yet another wedding I was thrilled! But when we arrived at the venue I was even more excited about the images we were going to get. The possibility's seemed endless.

Melissa and Justin flew in from Tennessee to be married at the beautiful at Scimitar Ridge Ranch in Anacortas. The views are breathtaking and this wedding was spectacular. Melissa and Justin had planned this wedding to the tee. There was nothing left out of their day.

After the ceremony Molly and I went out to an apple orchard on the property and shot just the couple by themselves. This was the first time that Melissa and Justin had gotten to be alone since the had first seen each other at the wedding. Such a beautiful couple.

Thanks again Melissa and Justin for letting me join you on your fabulous day!

Videographer :Doug Brown

Michelle & Matt

2010-09-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

I recently second shot a couple of weddings with my friend Molly Vaden and I am so excited to finally share a couple my images with you. Here is just one post of what is to come!!!

Michelle and Matt were married at Lairmont Manor in Bellingham surrounded by family and friends. Molly and I couldn't have had a better bride and groom. From the minute we arrived I could just tell how much these two loved each other. They are seriously such an adorable couple!

There is just something about a cermony site that is so breathtaking before everyone arrives.

A couple images from their first look. So simple and so sweet!

Michelle had so many wonderful details at the wedding. Love it!

Thanks again for having me Molly! And Congrats again Michelle and Matt on your fabulous day!!!

Create Yourself

2010-09-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

Its funny how life takes over sometimes. A life that has become so unexpected. The life you somehow planned for yourself has changed in so many ways. In college I was assigned a project where we had to find one phrase that described our life, something that we lived by. I struggled to find what I thought I was looking for so I just grabbed the closest phrase I could find and made something out of it. The phrase was "Create Yourself" I posted pictures of things that were the most important in my life around this phrase, put it in a sleeve and took it to school like I had spent sometime on this but really it was thrown together. {I'll spare you from the photo}

Since then this phrase has always resonated with me. It may have not been the exact phrase I was looking for at the time but it has always been something that has stuck in my head. Something I now live by. Ultimately YOU Create Yourself. You, create who you are and who you become and only you can make that decision. You get to define your style, your character and who you will become.

This became very apparent to me this past year as not only a person but as a photographer. As I learn MY style and MY passion. So I have chosen to make this my theme for the business for this next year!

Kelsey

2010-09-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

When Kelsey contacted me for Senior Portraits the first thing we discussed was pictures at sunset. If you have ever been to the Pacific Northwest then you know that this area of the country is known for some beautiful Sunsets for sure! Kelsey and I headed down the the beach near her family home in hopes to caputre just that. Oh the sun was so beautiful that night! Here are just a few from the our time playing on the beach. Isn't she just the cutest thing!

Thanks Kelsey! You really rocked these!

One year Anniversary!

2010-09-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have recently hit one year with Keim Photography! I have been so blessed to have learned so much and meet so many amazing photographers and clients. I have been completely inspired by all of you! But I realized that I have been completely neglecting my blog. Has it really been that long since I posted something? Ops! I have been so busy working on the "business" side of things that it seems like I have only had time to update Twitter and Facebook with recent shoots and updates.

As I celebrate the first year and I have been thinking of what I want to do differently what worked and what didn't. So I am setting new goals for myself and the blog is in top priority! That being said there are a lot of changes coming your way that I am very excited about. I promise I will share very soon!

Kai

2009-11-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

We have been having some crazy weather here lately and I was a bit worried when snow was in the forecast for Saturday's shoot with a 15 month old. Thank goodness the day came and as soon as we got to the location I found all that had fallen overnight was gone and the leaves that were so beautiful on the ground were visible. Kai was such a trooper! Isn't he just adorable? These images are the type of images that remind me why I LOVE my job!!!

Thanks Emily and Kai for coming out and braving the weather with me!

Wyatt

2009-11-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

I did a little Mini Session with this little guy this week. We raced out to brave the weather and jumped at the chance to get these shots when it wasn't raining or hailing. Yes, I said hailing. Its been crazy weather here all week! Meet little Wyatt. He is a lively three year old full of so much energy and oh boy did he and I have fun!

And as we were getting ready to leave I snuck this one of Wyatt and his Mama.

Hurricane Katrina Benefit

2009-11-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in the previous post I was just in NOLA for a conference but what inspired me to sign up the most was the Hurricane Katrina Benefit Event put on by Pictage and The United Way of New Orleans. They were able to bring in over 200 families to this event!!

There are no pictures of the families. In fact, I was not even a photographer for this event. I helped with the families and distributing the photos because it wasn't about me.... I was there to help these families who lost so much and even to this day ( 4 years later ) are still recovering! I was completely inspired by the families that I did meet and so thankful to be apart of this event and help any way I could.

Jim Collins,CEO of Pictage speaking to the bus load of Photogs before we got started. Very Inspiring!!!

Simon also from Pictage. Aren't these shirts adorable!!!

Thank you Pictage for putting on such an awsome event and letting me be a part of it!!!!

PartnerCon New Orleans

2009-11-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to go to New Orleans and attend an amazing week at PartnerCon hosted by Pictage . Seriously, if you are a Photographer or looking to get into photography this conference is the place to be! I didn't get to take as many pictures as I would have liked because the conference took over my week but I was able to get a couple of really fun shots! I just fell in love with this city. The history alone was enough for me.

As a part of the week at PartnerCon I was able to participate in a photowalk with Chris Williams, a photographer based out of New Orleans. Having never been to the city I was eager to shoot with someone who lived there. Here are a few images of the 9th Ward where we shot.

a rebuilt levy wall

The only thing left of this house was the front porch and stairs

I had such a great time in New Orleans and met so many amazing new friends! I can't wait to go back!

To see some more of the shots join me on Facebook!

Bessette Family

2009-10-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to meet this family for an afternoon shoot recently and just fell in love with them. Their little guy Cashton just stole the show on this shoot and we had all had such a fun time playing around. Isn't he precious?

Then it was time to get these great shots of Alli and Garrett.

Thanks Alli and Garrett for letting me come to play!

Sandy, Jake, Pete and Killer

2009-10-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sounds like an interesting collection of names for a Family Portrait Session doesn't it? Well, when your babies are animals it is just fitting. This is my very dear friend Sandy and her little family. She is huge animal lover and these dogs and Killer the Cat are her life! Aren't they just adorable?

Jake LOVES his mama!

Killer

Pete

Jake really looks like he is trying to smile here!

Thanks Sandy for letting us come to play. We love you!

Jenn and Sam

2009-08-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

You may remember Jenn from a previous session. I recently took pictures of her and her daughter Paisley. When Jenn asked me to take pictures for her and Sam 's 10 year anniversary I was thrilled! You see this family is very special to me. Not only have Jenn and I been friends for over 20 years but I was Jenn and Sam's maid of honor 10 years ago to the day!

I love the passion in both of their eyes in this photo!

Thanks Jenn and Sam for letting me be apart of both your days!

Im Not in California?

2009-08-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

I have driven over 550 miles this week and somehow I never made it to Northern California. I started the week off with a spontaneous dinner and talk with MeRa , (pictures to follow) Tuesday I had a migraine... UGH.....back to work.

By Wednesday the migraine had subsided a little but the energy was still flowing. I was headed a PUG meeting in Tacoma with the Jeff and Erin Youngren. What amazing down to earth couple they are! They did a presentation on defining your style which really spoke to me. Check out the pictures on their blog, somehow I made it into 4 of them! Can you find me? The room was FULL of photographers at all skill level and you wouldn't know one was 'better' then the other because we were all learning from each other.

Thursday it was back to work yet again and then a shoot in Mt. Vernon with Molly of Molly Vaden Photography but this time it was me in FRONT of the camera! ( Note to self: when scheduling a portrait shoot for your website, don't do it on less then 3 hours of sleep! ) By Friday it was back to work, pick up dinner and movies and CRASH! So I may not have made it to Northern California but it was all oh so worth it!

Jane and Bert

2009-08-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jodie asked me to shoot her in-law's 40th Wedding Anniversary party and I of course said YES! Afterall, she is seriously one of my favorite people on earth, I love this girl! Before the party began we did a portrait session with the whole family. They hadn't had their pictures together in about 8 years. Oh we had so much fun. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

This is Luke, Jodie's youngest son. Isn't he the cutest?

And Jayden her oldest. He had just lost his two front teeth! How precious is that.

During the party the boys brought out their favorite toy, their dog Vinny. So we he HAD to be in the family pictures too!

Jodie had planned this party for weeks from the invites to the beautiful cake she had recreated to look like the original. The details were gorgeous and the food was amazing!

Thanks again Jodie and Karl for having us, we had SO much fun! And congratulations again Jane and Bert on your 40th wedding anniversary!

Wight Sneak Peak!

2009-08-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

I don't normally do sneak peaks but I just couldn't wait to share this picture from the 40th anniversary party I did last week. I just fell in love with this shot! It truly shows off little Lukie's personality.

Guess What!!!

2009-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Guess what! (Yes dad, I guess that is my favorite line.) I, along side my Seattle Sistas , was featured on Me Ra Koh's blog. I am so excited and yet terrified at the same time. In fact when I saw this posting I actually felt like I was going to throw up. After all this site gets something like 15,000 hits a month. EEEK. But let me back up....

I had been following Me Ra's blog for a while when I saw her post on a Seattle workshop and JUMPED on it. Besides there isn't a better birthday present; right? I went to the workshop hoping for a better understanding of my camera's machanics, lighting and the chance to work with two photographers who's work I have admired for years now. What I left with was more confidence in myself as a person, photographer, friend, and an artist and 19 NEW friends. These ladies and one man, will always be in my heart and I am so excited to see what comes of all of us.

So back to the post. During the conference we were given the chance to shoot in groups of 3-5 people and challenged by lighting and composition in a very short time. While I was thrilled with the idea of submitting, looking back I wish that my submissions would have been different. I looked at those photos and didn't feel like they represented me as a photographer (hence the reason for throwing up). Then I realized that what it does show me is that I have grown as an artist. That now I have the confidence to play with lighting, adjust my Apature, ISO as needed and shoot in manuel. Which by the way, I have not taken my camera off of! So here are some fun shots of that weekend!

The Gray Family

Finley

Here are some of Blaze and I playing around before the shoot. Isn't he adorable with that camera? He reminded me so much of my little guys. :-)

I love the look on Blaze's face here.

And my favorite! Daddy and Blaze side by side and dressed to impress for their shoot.

Finally here is a picture my dear friend and Seattle Sista Jen took of me and Me Ra at the conference. She not only one of my favorite photographers but someone I now call a friend! If you don't already know her work check it out here She's amazing! Thanks for taking our picture Jen!

Yes, this is what I look like after shooting all day. Yicks!

Karen's Day After Session

2009-08-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I recently did a shoot for my beautiful friend Karen. No, she isn't getting married. In fact she has been married for 5 years now and has two beautiful boys and no it wasn't even her anniversary. She never had out door, fun pictures playing in her wedding dress that yes, she still fits into! Isn't she stunning in her dress?

and here is my favorite.....

Thanks Karen for coming out to play! You are such a beautiful bride!

Paisley

2009-06-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Meet Paisley and Jennifer! Isn't Paisley just the cutest. Oh and her story is just as amazing as she is. She is a survivor, a fighter and such a little girl! I am so glad I had the chance to shoot her 4 month pictures. We had such a great time playing. Thanks you two. I can't wait until we do it again.

Stephanie

2009-06-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

I love shooting Birthday Portrait Sessions. Birthdays are such a landmark no matter what the age especially for kids, they grow so much in just a year! I have had the opportunity to shoot this girl since the day she was born. This is my niece Stephanie. I have so many other nicknames for this little one but she is my girl and I can't believe she is 12!

LOVE YOU BABY!

The Gray Family

2009-06-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Meet the Gray Family! This family was so much fun! The two girls were so out going and willing and yet their little brother was shy and reserved. He wasn't quite sure about he idea of a camera being around until we got to play! I love how their personalities come out and the 'real' them shines in these photos.

Finley

2009-06-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Every baby is a miracle. I didn't not learn this until I was a mother myself. Having had 'the world's worst pregnancies' according to my doctor, I can appreciate what it takes to not only get a child into the world but to keep him or her here. This is Finley. His parents to have a story similar to mine so when I heard his story I was eager to get some shots of this baby that is such a blessing. During the shoot Mom had to step out of the room for a minute and I was able to get some of these amazing shots of just Daddy and Finley. Dad could have cared less that I was there. He was still so distracted by his beautiful baby boy.

Thank you for giving me the chance to take these pictures you three!

Short Wedding

2008-10-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

In October I had to chance to not only go to Hawaii (yay!) but shoot Dan and Carissa's wedding on the beach at Maui Eldorado in Kaanapali, Maui. Did I mention it was at sunset? What a beautiful day to get married, the weather was just perfect! Just a few friends and immediate family flew in from around the country to support the bride and groom. Thats what so great about a destination wedding, you have the opportunity to spend time away with your family and friends.

Dan and Carissa, thanks for letting me share your beautiful day with you!

*Ask me about a Destination Wedding package